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County OKs interim contract to coordinate volunteer driver program after contractor exit
Summary
Otter Tail County approved a contract with Wilkin County to coordinate volunteer drivers after Productive Alternatives ended service; initial administrative base is $1,248.75 per month with a not‑to‑exceed through 2026 while staff explore Otter Express integration.
Otter Tail County’s Human Services Department told the county board Oct. 28 that Productive Alternatives, the county’s longtime contractor for volunteer driver coordination, gave notice it could no longer administer the program. Human Services Director Deb Schustrom said the pandemic contributed to a steep decline in volunteer drivers and that staff had formed a work group to assess alternatives.
Schustrom described a proposed interim contract with a Wilkin County staff person who currently coordinates Wilkin’s volunteer driver program. The arrangement would provide coordination, driver onboarding and ride setup at an initial base administrative rate of $1,248.75 per month, with a modest monthly increase as the program grows and a not‑to‑exceed cap through 2026. The intent is to maintain rides for social‑service needs (family visitation, child welfare transports, short‑term chemical‑health treatment trips) while exploring whether Otter Express (the county’s joint powers transit entity) could eventually assume coordination.
The board moved to enter the contract and approved it by voice vote. Commissioners noted the program would supplement — not replace — public transit services and that staff will continue exploring sustainable long‑term options.
